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Monday, 26 December 2016

I got a Billy Connolly DVD, a ticket to see Scottish Opera's production of Philip Glass's "The Trial" - and this. So I'm happy.

Me and my wee girl had a kitchen dance to...

It seemed an appropriate tribute; celebrating a talent for button-pushin' bullseye-seekin' pop. From what I've been reading about George Michael it seems he had a big heart. And his music sure entertained a LOT of people.

While we're at it, this came on the radio and I was struck by how integral the tambourine part is...

Thursday, 1 December 2016

In Portsmouth me and Norman visited the HMS Victory and Mary Rose exhibitions. Both brilliant.

Decided not to climb this.

Felled by a French musket.

Unlike in the movies apparently up to 8 or more men had to help steer the ship.

Below decks.

The Mary Rose Exhibition is amazing - this snap doesn't quite do it justice *cough*

A lovely Iranian woman in this shop (below) melted my heart when she saw my plastic laundry bag was ready to fall apart and she produced a sturdy replacement. Wee unprovoked acts of human kindness can be balm to the soul.

Meatball panini made with love.

Portsmouth show was splendid, then we scooted off to Brighton.

Best ever photo taken of Brighton Beach.

A Brighton landmark that I don't know the name of

I believe we debuted "The First Sight" from the new album in Brighton. Our excellent distributors Republic Of Music were out in force. They tempted us to a tapas lunch the following day off - which led to...

One more pint of Ghost Ship and I'd've been under the host. Much to his likely consternation.

Some Santas on a racecourse.

Birmingham rocked. And so did my balti in this curry house.

(King shrimp if you must know)

Then on to Cardiff. I've been playing wth TFC since 2000 and I don't think we've been to Wales in that time, though I did play the old Barfly with Laura Cantrell many moons ago.

Somedae canna spell Ronald.

Some Welsh butter a few days ago.

Onward to Nottingham. Great Monday night audience. And the Wagama katsu curry wasn't the worst.

This Brian Clough photo was not taken at our show.

Then...Bristol, where we kicked off our most recent bout of activity on the 3rd of September. Nice to be back.

Bristol was another fine show with a lovely audience. Only regret was not getting to visit the Bernie Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Cambridge show last night was dandy. Nice to see former TFC sticks man Brendan O' Hare along at the gig. If he was thinking, "I wouldn't have put that fill there", he was too polite to say; just full of compliments and kind words.

Then it was on to play for the good people of Whitley Bay (From Inverness to Whitley Bay - is that a Mark Knopfler lyric?), which reminds me; I am working on a new song to the tune of Charlie Pride's Crystal Chandeliers:

Next day, a few hours before soundcheck, I took the train to the Salts Mill, Saltaire. Beautiful environment, Lots of David Hockney gubbins. I think my favourite part was the constantly changing display of iPhone/ipad drawings that he had sent to pals.

Get Well Soon Card

iPad pictures - the arrival of Spring

'Tennis' was faxed to the gallery by David H in LA and pinned to the board one page at a time.

Monday, 14 November 2016

Last week I had an amazing couple of days rehearsing, then recording, new music with soloists from The Scottish Festival Orchestra in Hamilton Mausoleum, Lanarkshire. More about this project in good time. Hashtag excited.

Sad at the passing of both Leonard Cohen and Leon Russell. I always loved Willie Nelson singing "A Song For You".

"And when my life is over, remember when we were together,

We were alone and I was singing my song for you"...

I just read this. Hope I have time to visit Las Meninas next time I am in Madrid.

Wednesday, 9 November 2016

The wonderful Jackie Kay tweeted that her 86 year-old lifelong socialist mum said: 'don't let Trump spoil your birthday love he's not worth it'.On Sunday I went to the BAFTA Scotland Awards. It was a great night and not just because Stephen Bennett's wonderful "Dunblane: Our Story" (for which I provided the music) won an award:

Me trying to steal Stephen's BAFTA before jumping in a taxi and cackling off into the night.

...but also because when I met Dr. Who and told him about my pal Gavin and his son Rob who are both huge fans, the following occurred: